I installed a T/A Performance timing cover assembly on my 71 455. This is the one that has a pre assembled oil pump with the booster plate. The installation went flawlessly. Upon starting the car I noticed oil seeping from the oil pump gaskets. I checked the pump bolts with my torque wrench. I was able to get almost a 1/4 turn on each one before my wrench clicked at 10 ft/lbs (factory spec). The leak slowed up, but still leaking. I called T/A and explained the situation. I told them Im willing to replace the gaskets in the oil pump before sending the cover back. The warranteed 2 gaskets for me (although the charged me 2.00 for "freight", but that another story). Anyway, I inspected all the surfaces. I did find a small ridge on the 1/2" hole on the oil pump thrust plate. I filed the edge carefully and everything is ready to go back together. In the past, I've always put the gaskets in dry with no sealer of any type. Would Permatex spray "high tack" hurt? I always use it on timing cover and water pump gaskets. Whats the general consensus? Dry or wet??
Jason, Put it on dry. Any spray tack will affect the thickness of the gasket. Seems like TA may be having quality control issues. First the distributor hole, now this.
Yeah, Im really not impressed. As I may have told you, the first time I ordered it, they sent me one for a V6. Naturally, I had to send it back. They then shortchanged me on the refund to my card (which Im still waiting on). Then the oil pump leak situation. For 700.00, I shouldnt have to take apart the pump and fix leaks. When I called them about it, I explained that I was willing to try and fix it before I send it back. So, they agreed to send me 2 new gaskets. I get them todat and they chaged me 2.00 for frieght! The postage on the envelope was .49 cents. Now, dont get me wrong. Its not the money. I dont care about the 2.00. Its the principle of it. Dont you think they should have sent me these at no charge? If this thing leaks tomorrow, Im yanking it off and sending it right back! I really expected better from T/A. So, I have one vote for installing "dry". Larry, do you really think a light spray of high tack will affect the gasket thickness? Any opposing views out there? Jason BTW....Isnt it amazing how our hobby can be so frustrating at times? Jeez.. and to think I do this to relax from working all week!
Jason, I'm really surprised that he would charge you freight. Next time you see Mike, I would bring that up. It's bad business, plain and simple, and there's no excuse for it. I'm sure the gaskets are supposed to go on dry. But like all gaskets, they need a good clean mounting surface to seal correctly. Maybe you better give it another close look, in case there are any more machining and quality control issues. Good luck. I love my TA cover. They are definitely slipping though in your case.
Larry, I do have to admit that the oil pressure is awesome with the new cover. I went from 15 lbs at a hot idle to 25 lbs. It went right up to 60 lbs when I cracked the throttle. Big ,big difference! I'll be a happy camper when I put these gaskets on and there are no leaks. If it leaks again tomorrow, Jennifer has been instructed to keep all sharp objects away from me for at least 24 hours. See you at the Long Island Buick show Larry. Aquamist will be making its debut! Jason
Chris, there was some casting flash that needed to be filed down. He couldn't get the distributor in. That's why I said they are having quality control issues.
:error: $700.00 is just way too much for that assembly. :error:....In my opinion. Ordering all the parts from TA and putting it together yourself is just over $600.00...still way too much. I know they need to recoop the cost of development but... Just the front cover alone is more than the SPX intake. o No: uzzled: Just some thoughts. :bglasses:
Adam- I believe when they assemble the cover, they de-burr all the gears. They also set the end clearance to .002. Im sure that where the extra 100.00 comes into play. As far as my leak, the warranteed gaskets did the trick! No leaks!!!! Larry, thanks for the input. Jason
I wasn't knocking having to pay extra for an assembled/set-up piece...just knocking the PRICE in general :rant: . $400.00 for a bare casting is just WAY TOO MUCH in my opinion I don't think TA is trying to screw us or anything...But, I would be willing to bet that if those babies were more like $200.00, they couldn't keep 'em in stock. o No: Just some thoughts.
Call them about the shipping. I ordered pan bolts. 9 of them were 12 point and 9 of them were 6 point ou: they gave me a shipper # and I sent them back on their account.
Just another option. I sent my cover, pump, booster plate, and gasket kit to Brian Earick for blueprinting. He set the whole thing up for me with new gears for $120. I pull 30# at hot idle with 10w30. It is nice that someone is making new covers but you can get an old one to work well for a reasonable cost.
I've noticed that mine seems to have developed a little leak. I guess I'll have to get a new gasket set for it. GGRRRRRR!
